Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has pledged a monthly stipend to corps members serving in the state.
The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch B Stream 1 Orientation course held at the NYSC camp in Wannune, Tarka local government area of the state on Tuesday.
Governor Alia assured each corps member posted to the state of a monthly payment of ₦15,000 by the state government, with medical doctors receiving ₦100,000 each.
The decision comes in response to reports of mass redeployment by corps members initially posted to the state.
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It was gathered that 1,500 corps members of 2023 Batch B Stream 1 were posted to the state, out of which 800 corps members had sought redeployment.
However, a source from the state office of NYSC disclosed that some of those who had submitted redeployment forms have withdrawn them following the pronouncement of the state governor.
The official, who pleaded not to be mentioned, said, “Following the promise made by the governor, as I am talking to you now, many of those who earlier sought redeployment from Benue have started coming back to withdraw the redeployment form.”
“About 1,500 corps members were posted to Benue State for the Batch B Stream 1, out of this, 800 corps members sought redeployment from the state.”
It was reliably gathered that there had been a high number of corps members redeploying from the state due to poor welfare.
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Addressing the corps members, the governor charged them to be dedicated to duty and contribute their part in nation-building as they begin the journey to serve their fatherland.
He said, “Remember that you are part of the larger vision to build a better nation. Each one of you possesses unique skills and talents that can contribute to the growth and development of our beloved state and country at large.”
“Embrace your role as ambassadors of change, and let your actions reflect the values of integrity, innovation, and compassion.”
Earlier in his address, the Benue State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Abe Dankaro Ashumate, appreciated the Governor for his magnanimity and for making the welfare of the Corps Members his priority, by providing food and other very important items for the corps members while at camp.
He cautioned the corps members to avoid acts that will endanger their lives, such as staying out late, attending night parties, visiting dangerous places, and accepting lifts and gifts from strangers.
“At all times, you should be good ambassadors of the NYSC, your families, and institutions of graduation.
Therefore, you must be wary of acts that can portray the scheme in a bad light, especially, drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrimes, and spreading of fake news amongst others,” Dankaro cautioned.